What is SQL?

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SQL is the language used to query the Oracle database. It is the API for data retrieval and modification. In this video, explore the SQL language and understand its primary function in an Oracle environment.

- [Narrator] So let's start by talking about what is SQL.So, SQL, which is short for Structured Query Language,although some places call it Server Query Language,is the programing language which you use to access datastored in your Oracle Database.SQL, as a data retrieval language, is an industry standard.And, all relational database products, not only Oracle,implement SQL as the mechanism,the language, the syntax you useto retrieve data from your database server.

In practice, it means that using the SQL language,you write queries, which we'll seea lot of throughout this course,and these queries instruct the Oracle Databasewhat is the data that the user wants to see.The data returns from the Oracle Database, via yourSQL query, will be in tabular format.So, essentially, using the SQL languageyou control what data you want to see from all ofthe data that is stored in your database.

Using SQL you can choose to see some of the data,maybe select data from specific tables only,maybe add filtering to the data, maybe manipulate the data.You can do all of that using the SQL language.So, think of SQL as the API, orApplication Programming Interface, the primary languagewhich you use to interact with your Oracle Database.The SQL language allows you to:One, run queries on your Oracle Databaseand choose what data you want to see.

Two, modify data that is on your database. Such as,insert new data, update or delete existing data.And, three, the SQL language allows you to modify objectsin the database. That is create new tables.Or, modify the structure of existing tables, such asadding columns to tables or deleting columns from tables.You can do all of that using the SQL languageand we see all of that in action throughout our coursewith hands on demos.

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Released

1/17/2018

Mastering the SQL language is an essential skill for any Oracle professional and is the first step in becoming a true Oracle expert. As with any database platform, Oracle has its own take on the SQL language that builds on top of industry standards. In this course, Oracle instructor and consultant David Yahalom covers the basics required to code with SQL in an Oracle Database 12c environment. Learn how to select and filter data, and manipulate data using functions, including SUBSTR, UPPER, MIN, MAX, AVG, SUM, and more. Then find out how to combine data from two or more tables in a single statement with joins. Discover how to modify data with DML and DDL commands like DELETE and UPDATE, and group data with aggregate functions. David also provides an overview of advanced concepts, such as constraints and subqueries.

Note: This training course is appropriate for beginning database developers with no prior experience with SQL or Oracle.